A short chain should save beef farming

The yield of the Dutch beef farming sector is under pressure. To improve the market position, short chains are needed, among other things, and a stronger focus on image, quality and connection. That is what the LTO Meat Farming department says in a future vision for the sector.

The beef cattle sector in the Netherlands has two main categories: suckler cows and beef bulls. The number of beef bulls is fairly stable, while the number of suckler cows shows a declining trend. In 2017, 3.217 beef cattle farms were registered according to Wageningen UR, together accounting for 175.000 cattle. Of these, 59.000 were females older than 2 years and 52.000 were bulls older than 1 year.

Economic perspective
Yields are under pressure, partly due to a sharp decrease in subsidies to the beef cattle farming sector. On the other hand, consumer interest in sustainable products is increasing strongly. The challenge for the sector is to convert this latent demand into an economic perspective, LTO judges in its opinion future vision 'Responsible quality up close'. To this end, collaboration with other chain parties in the sector, which are very diverse, is of great importance.

The vision for 2025 refers to responsible meat of the best quality. The vision is based on two pillars: 'Recognizable and close by' and 'Responsible'. The sector must generate more publicity, promote its products and work together with (local) markets and the chain to achieve good prices and guaranteed sales. In addition, a reliable product must be the starting point, 'coming from a professionally operating sector that attaches great importance to sustainability and social responsibility'.

Strategic agenda
The department has translated the two pillars into a strategic agenda. This includes matters such as: 'organizing a dialogue in the chain and facilitating strategic partnerships', 'increasing the connection between farmer and consumer', 'cooperation within the VleesveeNL chain organization', and 'being in dialogue with social organisations'. But to maintain its license to produce also: 'realization of the climate objectives', 'reduction of energy consumption', 'regional feed and GMO-free concepts', 'closed regional cycles for feed and straw' and 'research into new housing systems'.

The strategic agenda must ultimately be converted into a plan with measures in the short and long term.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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